Rampolina (La), Milan

This venue is located just a short way from Stresa and Baveno on Lake Maggiore, and has spectacular views of the lake and Borromean Islands. Wisteria vines surround the building so in the spring and summer a wonderful display of color accompanies your meal. There is a nice selection of local Italian specialties on the menu along with some traditional European dishes like French onion soup. The risotto with radicchio and scamorza cheese (a smoky local cheese) is superb, and if you are a meat lover, the steak with peppercorn sauce is a must. Finish off with one of the homemade tortas, and you will be in gastronomic heaven for a very affordable price. -Janice Barton